Biryulyovo in the minds of Muscovites is considered something distant and uncomfortable. For many, the name of the area has become a household name for the wilderness without electricity and transport. Such a view is completely unfounded. This is an ordinary sleeping area of Moscow, but one attraction sets it apart from the others - it is the arboretum in Vostochny Biryulyovo. Address: Russia, Moscow, Lipetskaya St., ow. 5A
History of creation
It was also indicated on topographic maps of the 19th century that on the site of the arboretum in Biryulyovo there was a fire wasteland and pastures. The first attempt to improve the territory was made in 1932. Seedlings were placed in the harrow in the traditional way, but they all died, clogged with weeds.
In 1938, engineer Vsevolod Konstantinovich Polozov proposed creating a nursery on this site, where it was possible to grow plants for other parks. Previously, the territory was cleared of old trees and fertilized with lupine: the green mass of the plant was placed in the plowed ground. Subsequently, these flowers adorned the lawns of the park. Saplings 2-3 years old were grown in their own nursery, and then moved to open ground.
The layout of the park was carefully thought out. Trees were planted with alleys and adjacent to shrubs. Plants were selected so that nearby were species compatible in the natural habitat. Groups of green spaces (curtains) were separated by lawns, lawns and paths. A few years later, part of the trees were dug up for transplantation into other parks. The remaining individuals were located at a sufficient distance so that their crowns could grow and not clog each other.
Flora and fauna of the arboretum in Biryulyovo
The brainchild of Polozov ranks second in Moscow in the diversity of trees and shrubs after the Main Botanical Garden. More than 250 species grow on its territory, many of them brought from different parts of the world. Preference is given to the North American and Far Eastern flora. The most vivid representatives are drawn along the radial alleys, diverging from the arborvitae, planted in a circle. Here you can stroll along birches, ash trees, elms, maples and firs. And how pleasant it is to walk past the avenues of acacia and lilacs during the flowering period!
There are forest inhabitants in the park that you will not see in other places of the city. In addition to the usual squirrels and hedgehogs, white hares, moles and even weasels or ermines are found here. The world of feathered arboretum is also diverse. Song thrushes, orioles and kings are sweetened by hearing. If you are lucky, you can stumble upon an eared owl, an owl or representatives of the falcon family.
Ponds are an important part of the ecosystem
On the territory of the arboretum there are several ponds. The largest of them is located in the southern part near the parking lot on Lipetskaya street. Officially, the pond is called "Big", but popularly known as "Chocolate". Presumably he was dubbed for the brownish color of the water due to clay shores. The pond is divided into two parts in bulk. Alder, willow and maple trees grow along the slopes.
In front of the main entrance stretched the pond "Lower". The Biryulevsky stream flows into it, which flows from Tsaritsynsky Park and feeds the reservoir. The shores are low and densely planted with birches. Ducks and drakes live here.
Another Central pond is the smallest in the arboretum. It is located near the main entrance in front of the Thuy Alley.
The ponds were heavily polluted, but in recent years, work is underway on cleaning and landscaping. Already, their appearance has improved significantly. At the same time, the natural form and vegetation along the coast were preserved.
Park Infrastructure
The Biryulevsky Arboretum is not only the second largest botanical garden in Moscow, but also a great place to relax. The park is equipped with playgrounds, benches and gazebos. Near the forestry is a nursery, where there are enclosures with rabbits and goats. For fans of physical education in the fresh air there are several sports fields.
A chess club and bicycle rental are on site. From the side of Lipetsk street, picnic areas are equipped with barbecue facilities, tables with awnings and garbage cans. In the depths of the park there is free Wi-Fi, equipment for which is powered by solar panels. In winter, a ski track is laid here and an ice rink is flooded. Large ravines attract people with ice and sledges.
As part of the Moscow Sky project, the Biryulevsky Arboretum is one of the parks where you can watch a movie in the fresh air on summer evenings. All sessions are free and are held from Friday to Sunday. The repertoire is represented by classic films of the XX century.
Development plans
Huge work has been done on the improvement and reconstruction of the arboretum. In 2010, a sakura grove appeared here, complementing the already rich flora of the nursery. During the flowering period, those wishing to admire this spectacle flock here.
The park was cleared of garbage and emergency trees. Planting of new plant species is underway. Paths are gradually being restored, the banks of ponds are being improved. It is planned to establish new playgrounds and sports grounds in the park, and organize another entrance from the north side.
Reconstruction will not prevent visitors. The work will be carried out in stages. Thus, most of the territory will remain accessible for walking.
You can get to the arboretum in Biryulyovo both by metro (Tsaritsyno or Kantemirovskaya stations), and by the Paveletsky direction electric train, and then by any bus following Lipetskaya street. It is not as far as it seems. Only 40 minutes from the center - and you are at your destination.